Henry's Bright Idea (The Walnut Animal Society) - Hardcover

Lauren Bradshaw is a designer of handmade dolls called Walnut Animal Society. Henry’s Bright Idea is the first in a series of Walnut Animal Society books for children. She lives in Los Angeles, California.

Wednesday Kirwan is a children’s book illustrator, whose books include Nobody Notices Minerva and Yeti, Turn Out the Light. She lives in Oakland, California.

PreS-Gr 2-A group of elegant, nattily dressed animals reside in a tall tree house and call themselves the Walnut Animal Society. Their mission "is to create and always remain curious." The friends include Magnolia the Bunny, who makes maps of all the different places she's discovered. Chester the Raccoon adventurously collects ropes and fishing poles, and Eleanor the Bear likes to collect flowers and brew tea for her friends. The main character, Henry the Fox, is well-known for his distinctive ingenuity. One day, he proclaims that he has lost an idea and has no clue where to find it. With the help of Eleanor the Bear, the two venture out for a walk in the walnut grove. Readers can grasp the importance of clearing one's mind with relaxation activities, such as taking a walk and talking with a friend. Exploring an array of nature's objects, Henry concludes that he still hasn't found what he was looking for. As the sun begins to set, tiny adorable lightning bugs encircle Henry—helping him discover his "bright" idea. Although the story ends rather abruptly (the final page shows Henry back in his room, where "he [gets] right to work") without a look into Henry's idea. Children in a classroom or storytime can take turns coming up with their own theories about Henry's idea. Kids who like to play with Calico Critters might enjoy the warm, furry animals that Kirwan has drawn. VERDICT A great precursor story to read to children before engaging in a project or for elementary school library literature collections on maker spaces.-Krista Welz, North Bergen High School, NJ